GAY NEW ORLEANS 2011–12
+ 300 Things to do 21
Bars + Clubs
also inside: FREE EVENTS + TOURS GAY TRAILMAP SHOPPING, DINING AND MORE!
& $3785( 7+( ) /$,5 2) 1 (: 2 5/($16 Hotel Le Marais
Bourbon Orleans
Dauphine Orleans
Audubon Cottages
St. Louis Hotel
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The French Quarter We practically invented decadence. Canal Street, the Champs-ElysĂŠes of New Orleans, has a new towering landmark. Our unsurpassed location puts you right in the heart of the city. Lounge poolside, enjoy a cocktail or just step out the door for some Bourbon Street jazz and all gay nightlife entertainment. Stroll down Royal Street and explore world-renowned art galleries and antique shops. Enjoy luxurious guest accommodations, a vast array of amenities and our always uncompromising commitment to quality service.
DISTINCTIVELY FRENCH QUARTER 739 Canal at Bourbon Street 0
0 or visit us at www.astorneworleans.com
Best Location in the Quarter!
s One block from World Famous Bourbon Street s 374 beautifully decorated guest rooms s Indoor heated pool s Exercise Facility s Colorful Checkered Parrot Restaurant
504-529-7211 www.hi-frenchquarter.com 124 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Call for Special Seasonal Rates
800-747-3279
WHAT’S YOUR REQUEST? “Settle into a downtown New Orleans hotel room beautifully detailed with a marble bathroom, pillow-top mattress, high-speed Internet access, and ergonomic work chair. Laissez les bon temps rouler”!
The Whitney, A Wyndham Historic Hotel | 610 Poydras St | New Orleans, LA | 70130 United States | 504-212-8688 | www.WyndhamWhitney.com
where luxury meets laissez le bon temps rouler and Polo Club Lounge and conveniently located two blocks from the French Quarter, it is the place to stay and play in the Big Easy.
WWW.WINDSORCOURTHOTEL.COM 300 GRAVIER STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 (888) 557-0456
produced by:
P.O. BOX 2630 + PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130 P: 215-977-9900 + F: 215-977-8350 NAVIGAYTOUR.COM
PHOTOCREDITS+ Jay Combe, Pat Garin, Cheryl Gerber, Arthur Roger, Danielle Levitt, Donn Young for NOTMC and NOCVB. Magazine Street Merchants Association and Scarlett O’Hara Restaurant. © 2011 NAVIGAYTOUR all rights reserved. Any commercial or promotional distribution, publishing or exploitation of the content is strictly prohibited. Reproducing content may violate copyright and other laws of the United States, other countries, as well as applicable state laws and may be subject to liability for such unauthorized use.
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CONTENTS
WHAT’S
INSIDE How to use this guide and QR-Codes:
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WELCOME TO NEW ORLEANS
18
GAY BARS + CLUBS GETTING AROUND
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GAY TRAILMAP GAY ARTS + CULTURE
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Using a mobile phone such as the iPhone/ Android/Blackberry; use the camera, along with QR-Code decoding software by capturing a picture of the QR-Code, the QR-Code software decoder will then transform the data held within the QR-Code to a meaningful action for the mobile phone, like taking you to a website or downloading a file.
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BUY CURIOUS GIRL TO GIRL
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THE GOOD LIFE EATING OUT
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THE BEST OF THE BEST
Search for QR-Code Reader in:
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IN THE KNOW ON THE CHEAP
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ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE
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FRENCH MARKET
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ANNUAL EVENTS RESOURCES
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WEEKLY EVENTS
Or visit:
navigaytour.com/mobile neworleanscvb.com
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WELCOME to NEW ORLEANS Laissez les bons temps rouler! New Orleans knows how to throw a party. That’s why LGBT travelers always seem to find a home away from home here thanks to lively festivals, street parades, vibrant gay nightlife, art and music scenes. And while much of New Orleans’ gay and lesbian life is situated around the fabled French Quarter, for good reason thanks to some of the oldest and most famous gay bars and restaurants in the country, there are many destinations throughout the city that have long attracted open-minded visitors looking for a good time.
THE ‘HOODS The Fauborg Marigny next to the French Quarter is a colorful community with plenty of gay-friendly cafes, restaurants and shops. You’ll find many of the city’s gay and lesbian owned bed and breakfasts in this charming neighborhood, as well as the Drama Theatre Company and 16
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the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of New Orleans – the heart of the LGBT community (and a great place to meet friends and find out about local events seven days a week).
Frenc Frenchman Street is also a popular destination for nightclubbers thanks to its eateries and music clubs lining the legendary street where many famous musicians got their start and still play. Still considered a bohemian enclave, the district is an ideal place to hear authentic New Orleans jazz, as well as emerging musical artists from around the country in intimate venues. The Garden District is another must-see destination in oh-sogay Crescent City. Gorgeous homes epitomizing Southern architecture create a maze of residential avenues dripping with lush greenery. A great way to sightsee in the Garden District, where you’ll also find several of the city’s most famous cemeteries, is by taking the St. Charles streetcar for $1.25 each way. It’s also where visitors find Magazine Street, a sixmile stretch of shops, eateries
AROUND the CLOCK Today, annual events attract thousands of gay men and women to town each season for parties. But it isn’t only during gay events, like Southern Decadence, Pride, Mardi Gras, and Halloween, that the city shines. The warmth of New Orleans has more to do with its people who know how to make visitors feel welcome with no shortage of Southern hospitality. Taking gay life by storm in NOLA doesn’t just mean hitting up the trendy and longtime nightlife venues (although they’re not to be missed) it’s about getting to know locals who have an indomitable spirit to overcome any challenge – while always having the most fun doing it.
and boutiques with a very gayfriendly vibe. It’s a great street to grab an afternoon cocktail before browsing both upscale and bohemian shops owned by gay and lesbian locals, like Hazelnut, a shop belonging to openly gay actor and NOLA native Bryan Batt (he played Sal on TV’s Mad Men).
FAMOUS FACES The city’s also been home to many famous gays and lesbians like native Ellen DeGeneres, Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. DeGeneres emceed Mr. and Ms. Gay Pride long before she hosted the Academy Awards. And famous gay New Orleans jazz musician Tony Jackson scored a hit as early as the 1920s about his boyfriend called “Pretty Baby” while living above a bar in the Quarter. And let’s not forget the New Orleans Saints who won the Super Bowl a few years ago. A lively gay social world has always been part of the fabric of New Orleans. In 1936, the first gay
Where can I go for a late-night
bite?
bar opened at Lafitte Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street. It would eventually move next door to Café Lafitte in Exile, considered now to be one of the oldest operating gay bars in the country. Other gay firsts in New Orleans include an all-gay Mardi Gras Krewe and various clubs that launched in the 1940s and 50s. By the late 1990s, Louisiana became the only state in the Deep South to pass hate crime laws covering sexual orientation. And in 1998, it became illegal in New Orleans to discriminate against someone based on gender identity; it was the first city in the South to support gender rights.
Clover Grill serves up delicious diner-style food within steps of all the gay bars. As a bonus the very gay wait staff is not only cute but also entertaining (900 Bourbon St.).
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GETTING AROUND BUS + STREETCAR
GAY BARS + CLUBS 700 CLUB LUB 700 Burgundy St. 504-218-5778
JOHN PAUL’S 940 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-948-1888
ALL WAYS LOUNGE & MARIGNY THEATRE 2240 St. Claude Ave. 504-218-5778
NAPOLEON’S ITCH 734 Bourbon St. 504-371-5450
BIG DADDY’S BAR 2513 Royal St. 504-948-6288 THE BOURBON PUB 801 Bourbon St. 504-524-3788 CAFE LAFITTE IN EXILE 901 Bourbon St. 504-522-8397 CLUB FUSIONS 2004 A.P. Tureaud Ave. 504-301-5121 THE CORNER POCKET 940 St. Louis St. 504-568-9829 THE COUNTRY CLUB 634 Louisa St. 504-945-0742 CUTTERS 706 Franklin Ave. 504-948-4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY 439 Dauphine St. 504-523-4517 GOLDEN LANTERN 1239 Royal St. 504-529-2860 GOOD FRIENDS 740 Dauphine St. 504-566-7191 18
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THE NINTH CIRCLE 700 North Rampart St. 504-524-7654 OZ 800 Bourbon St. 504-593-9491 THE PHOENIX BAR 941 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-945-9264 RAWHIDE 740 Burgundy St. 504-525-8106 ROUNDUP 819 St. Louis St. 504-561-8340 RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE 1135 Decatur St. 504-571-1863 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK 834 North Rampart St. 504-561-8939
GREYHOUND 1001 Loyola Ave. 504-524-7571 greyhound.com
R.T.A. 504-827-8392 norta.com
TAXI
TRAIN
UNITED CABS 1634 Euterpe St. 504-522-9771 unitedcabs.com
AMTRAK Union Station 1001 Loyola Ave. 504-528-1612 amtrak.com
RIVERBOAT CREOLE QUEEN 800-445-4109 creolequeen.com FRIENDS OF THE FERRY 504-366-7210 friendsoftheferry.org
STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ 800-586-8777 steamboat natchez.com
LIMOUSINE AIRPORT LIMOUSINE SERVICE 504-305-2450 airportlimousine neworleans.com AMERICAN LUXURY LIMOUSINES 800-631-5466 american-limo.com BONOMOLO LIMOUSINES INC. 800-451-9258 bonolimo.com
A CONFIDENTIAL TRANSPORTATION 800-783-1599 aconfidential.com CAREY NEW ORLEANS/ SIGNATURE LIVERY 800-495-0201 signaturelivery.com LIMOUSINE LIVERY 877-546-8788 limolivery.com NICOLL’S LIMOUSINE SERVICE 504-454-7722 nicolls.com
For links to the NOLA gay bar scene – scan the QR Code on the left or visit:
www.neworleans.gaycities.com/bars
Camping it up on
Bourbon Street.
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GAY TRAILMAP 1 TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ FORMER RESIDENCE 632 Peter’s St. (now 632 Elysian Fields Ave.)
Openly gay playwright Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire, one of the most famous works of American drama, in this apartment, just a few blocks from the French Quarter. 2 FAUBOURG MARIGNY ART AND BOOKS 600 Frenchmen St.
This longtime gay and lesbian bookstore carries a selection of gay titles specializing in works by famous gay locals. For decades, the bookstore has been a hub for gay activism and visibility in the Big Easy. 3 LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS 2114 Decatur St.
Home to gay and lesbian life in the city, the community center hosts special events each week and is home to a library featuring the works of openly gay and lesbian writers from New Orleans. 4 GOLDEN LANTERN
1239 Royal St. This is the city’s second-oldest gay bar, and home to Southern Decadence. Golden Lantern is the starting point for New Orleans’ most famous gay event each year, with a parade kicking off from this watering hole every Labor Day weekend.
The history of New Orleans is woven with gay culture, much of which is documented in the Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum (533 Royal St.), library and publisher dedicated to promoting the history of Southern Louisiana. Visit the Williams Research Center (410 Chartres St.), which includes rare books, manuscripts, prints and more. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tues.-Sat., excluding holidays. Follow the map for more gay history.
11 GUNGA DEN
6 CAFÉ É LAFITTE IN EXILE 901 Bourbon St.
325 Bourbon St.
As the oldest gay bar in the U.S., Café Lafitte in Exile was first located footsteps from its current location at a bar now called Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Both destinations attract gay and lesbian patrons.
Female impersonators made this a once-famous burlesque house a gay-friendly destination through the 1980s. Today, it’s Sho-Bar, one of the oldest operating gentleman’s clubs in the country.
7 AMBUSH HEADQUARTERS 828 Bourbon St.
1214 Bienville St.
Every year for the past quarter century, the gay Krewe of Queenateenas host the official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss here. Mardi Gras has long enjoyed gay traditions, including the Fat Monday Luncheon, which began in 1949 and is the oldest continuing gay event in the country.
12 MY PLACE SALOON
Gay jazz pianist Tony Jackson, famous for his 1916 song “Pretty Baby,” secretly written about his male lover, regularly played here, a one-time saloon where whites-only could hear black performers from Storyville, the city’s legendary red-light district. 13 ARMSTRONG PARK
8 TRUMAN CAPOTE’S
FORMER RESIDENCE 811 Royal St. This openly gay Louisiana son wrote his first novel here, Other Voices, Other Rooms, in a slave-quarter apartment he rented for $70 a month when he was just 19. He was provocatively photographed here by famous shutterfly Henri CartierBresson. 9 UPSTAIRS LOUNGE
Iberville and Chartres St. This is the former site of a deadly arson that killed 32 people in 1973. A plaque now honors the dead on the site of this one-time popular gay bar.
801 N. Rampart St. Named for New Orleans native and jazz superstar Louis Armstrong, New Orleans native and openly gay comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres emceed the first gay street parade here in 1981—long before she would host her Emmy-winning daytime television show. 14 CITY PARK 1 Palm Dr.
In 1971, New Orleans launched its Gay Pride with a “Gay-In” picnic here, the first event of its kind anywhere in Louisiana. Pride would eventually become an annual event by 1978 at Jackson Square. Today, Pride makes its home in the French Quarter.
10 HOTEL MONTELEONE
214 Royal St. 5 FRANCIS BENJAMIN JOHNSTON HOME 1132 Bourbon St.
This pioneering female photographer lived an openly gay life in New Orleans when she retired to the French Quarter in 1940. She lived in this Bourbon Street townhouse until her death in 1952 at the age of 88. During her life, she photographed the famous, including lesbian socialite Natalie Barney in her Paris salon.
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The hotel has been a destination for many famous scribes, including openly gay writers Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, who have spent much time in the hotel’s famous Carousel Bar, where Eudora Welty wrote “The Purple Hat.” During an interview in People magazine in 1981, Capote recalled that his mother Nina would lock him in one of the hotel rooms as a child.
View the MAP Online www.navigaytour.com/ nola/gaytrailmap
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GAY ARTS + CULTURE The finer side of life
HEAR AND NOW Live music is at the pulse of New Orleans nightlife at legendary hot spots like the House of Blues and Preservation Hall and the lively music clubs on Frenchmen Street and throughout the Quarter. World-class entertainment is also around every corner thanks to the New Orleans Opera and Ballet Associations, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Southern Repertory Theatre where gay performers headline spectacular shows. You’re as likely to find a gay-themed show at the famed Mahalia Jackson Theatre and you are at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, the oldest, continually operating community theatre in the U.S. New Orleans has been home to many famous productions over the years. Did you know Tennessee Williams even wrote A Streetcar Named Desire here with a hunky Marlon Brando in the lead?
In the heart of NOLA’s Arts District, the Contemporary Arts Center pushes the boundaries of modern art with experimental performance, visual, sculpture and video installations with a focus on local artists – you may meet the next Andy Warhol here. The Presbytere and Cabildo both also house collections that reflect the region’s eccentric, colorful past at Jackson Square.
GALLERY GUIDE A unique, gay gallery experience awaits art aficionados along Julia Street, which makes up a small arts district that’s become known as the “SoHo of the South.” Arthur Rogers and Stills Zinsel galleries get to the heart of the modern art scene in New Orleans with popular openings by well-known art stars in the city. Other galleries that regularly feature gay and lesbian artists include Stella Jones Gallery, Galerie Simonne Stern and Marguerite Oestreicher Fine Arts.
ART ATTACK Visual arts also makes a splash at diverse venues like The New Orleans Museum of Art with photography and decorative glass collections, and The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., where many contemporary and classic gay and lesbian artists have captivated visitors with solo exhibitions over the years. 22
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Where’s a good
piano bar?
Le Chat Noir is a swanky lounge where you’re as likely to run into a cab ret star as you are a sexy sing-a-long (715 St. Charles Ave.).
BUY CURIOUS The Ultimate shopping guide Channel the inner you (or your pretend self) at Little Shop of Fantasy where all the costumes and accessories are locally made for every desire (939 Montegut St.).
The Shops at Jackso Jackson Brewery deliver everything from apparel to odds and ends in a beautiful (and air-conditioned) setting in a former brewery with river views (600 Decatur St.). Feeling naughty? ConXXXion is a 24-hour emporium for movies, books and sensual goods with plenty of gay themes (107 Chartres St.). All the leather daddies know that Second Skin Leather is the go-to place for fetishists and style seekers alike (521 St. Philip St.). Show off your gay pride with rainbow gear from Alternatives, a longtime shop specializing in LGBT clothing, accessories, stickers and collectibles (907 Bourbon St.). Label whores, take note: The Shops at Canal Place is an upscale venue with some of the
most popular brands from Coach, Brooks Brothers and Kenneth Cole (333 Canal St.). Take home a memorable souvenir print of the famous “blue dog” at George Rodrigue Studio (730 Royal St.). Pet lovers will love the artist’s loving depictions of his pooch. Go back in time at Keil’s Antiques, an upscale shop specializing in 18th and 19th century antiques from Europe (325 Royal St.). Got a sweet (and sexy) tooth? Head to Hot Chocolate for a deliciously quirky collection of erotic cakes and desserts (509 Dumaine St.). Brass Monkey (235 Royal St.) carries an odd assortment of collectibles dating back to New Orleans’ early days – everything from furniture and pill boxes to walking sticks and jewelry.
GIRL TO GIRL The lesbian side of the city WORK IT
CHEER IT
Rubyfruit Jungle is the premiere lesbian club in the Big Easy. Nestled on Decatur Street, the three-story club gets busy on late nights and weekends with burlesque shows, dancing, live music and plenty of Sapphic action. There’s even a balcony overlooking the Quarter.
Show the Saints some love during a tailgate party outside the Superdome where meeting friends is a breeze. Even if you can’t get your hands on a prized black-and-golden ticket, just don the team colors and you’ll enjoy lots of libations and celebrations that continue well after kickoff.
PARK IT
FIX IT
Get back to nature with a walk among centuries-old oaks in City Park or picnic in Woldenberg Park with stunning views of the Mighty Mississippi. You can even stroll through Audubon Park or take a bike ride along the levee. Just 30 minutes outside of the city is Jean Lafitte National Park, a treasure trove of ecological wonders amid Louisiana’s swamps, forests and marshlands with no shortage of ways to get your hands dirty.
While the city has certainly bounced back after Katrina, there’s still plenty of good work to do. Lend a hand with Emergency Communities, Common Ground Relief, Relief Spark, Habita t for Humanity and Katrina Krewe. Who knows? You may even catch a glimpse of Brad and Angelina at one of the housing projects they’ve designed in the Ninth Ward.
Where can I spruce up
my wardrobe?
Go to the Shops at Canal, a luxury mall with Brooks Brothers, SAKS, Kenneth Cole and many other go-to shops to fashion (333 Canal St.). neworleansonline.com
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THE GOOD LIFE The finer side of NOLA
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ARNAUD’S REMOULADE 309 Bourbon St. 504-523-0377 Remoulade.com
ARNAUD’S REMOULADE 813 Rue Bienville 504-523-5433 Arnaudsrestaurant.com
Casual Creole dining on Bourbon Street! Enjoy signature Arnaud’s dishes like Shrimp Remoulade along with traditional fare like po-boys, jambalaya, red beans and rice and fresh oysters.
Just steps from Bourbon St., we offer classic Creole cuisine and exemplary service in beautifully restored turn of the century dining rooms. Founded in 1918 and still true to New Orleans culinary traditions.
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UPSCALE TREATS for the SNOB IN ALL OF US TASTE TEST:
EAT, DRINK AND BE MARY:
Get the lowdown on your favorite vino at W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute of New Orleans). The venue welcomes individuals and groups for special tastings that give you the basics on some of the best wines from around the world (610 Tchoupitoulas St.).
Stop by the Swizzle Stick Lounge at the Loews Hotel for a oneand-only Tequila Mockingbird, a martini with refreshing fresh lemon twist. Hit up Café Adelaide for the legendary Bananas Foster, a New Orleans tradition – and for good reason (300 Poydras St.).
SUPPORT THE ARTS:
PURE PAMPERING:
Nothing says first-class than original art. Take your pick of the best at the Cole Pratt Gallery, which specializes in exclusive work by Southern artists (3800 Magazine St.).
The Guerlain Spa at the Roosevelt New Orleans is only one of three locations in the U.S. that offers 180-year-old relaxation treatments. Each person’s experience is customized for beauty and ultimate relaxation in style (123 Baronne St.).
EXPRESS YOURSELF:
GO OLD WORLD:
Pick up a little something special at Scriptura, a paper shop with beautiful stationary and journals. Who knows? You could become the next Truman Capote thanks to all the stories you’ve collected on the trip (5423 Magazine St.).
At Wirthmore Antiques, you’ll find breathtaking furniture in pristine condition – everything from mirrors and cabinets to armoires and accessories – and each with a fabled back story (3727 Magazine St.).
EATING OUT There’s no shortage of LGBT-friendly and late-night dining spots
imbibing oon Bourbon Street. The wait staff is friendly and the crowd is very gay (900 Bourbon St., 504-598-1010).
The quirky Bywater Bar-b-que serves up lunch and dinner with pulled pork and chicken dishes. Most entrees are under $15. Just look for all the chairs tacked to the ceiling and you’ll know you’re at the right place (3162 Dauphine St., 504-944-4445).
Get your Cajun on at breakfast, lunch and dinner at the aptly named Eat Restaurant where spicy dishes are served up in a casual atmosphere with no shortage of conversation (900 Dumaine St., 504-522-7222).
Clover Grill attracts the boozy late-night crowd with diner grub that’s perfect after a night
Where can I go
vegetarian?
Who doesn’t love brunch? Feelings Café has been dishing up favorites like duck, steak and seafood on Sundays and at
dinner throughout the week since the swinging 70s. Historic fact: The building dates back to the 1700s when it served as slave quarters. (2600 Chartres St., 504-945-2222). Meauxbar Bistro is a sophisticated foodie hot spot that mixes up classic French cuisine with contemporary and longtime local flavors in a beautiful setting with no shortage of gay clientele. (942 N. Rampart St., 504-569-9979).
Slim Goodies serves up breakfast all day, as well as other specialties – with plenty of veggie options like chili, tempeh and tofu dishes. Call ahead to other eateries and most chefs are happy to cook up delectable meat-free dishes – even if they’re missing from the menu (3322 Magazine St., 504-891-3447).
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THE BEST of the BEST 10 reasons we love NOLA 1 SOUTHERN DECADENCE: This big gay fest is to New Orleans what Carnival is to Brazil. Revelers (wearing next to nothing) descend on the city over Labor Day weekend from all over the world to take in the sexy fun, complete with parades and parties spanning the Quarter. 2 FRENCH QUARTER: Bourbon Street can be crowded and noisy with no shortage of 24-hour revelers, but it’s also an architectural and historic landmark that feels like no place else in the U.S. Bars, nightclubs, shops and restaurants are at the heart of it, where it’s as much fun to pull up a stool at a curbside watering hole as it is to gaze on the action below from one of the district’s famous balconies. Not to be missed: Preservation Hall where generations of jazz musicians have called home. 3 PO BOYS, BEIGNETS + MUFFALETTAS: Skip the diet while you’re here because you’ll want to bite into some Crescent City culinary traditions. Just about every eatery – from the tiny counter to more upscale restaurants offer 26
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some version of the Po Boy, Boy a sandwich usually served up with a seafood base like clams, shrimp or lobster. Looking for a cheap and authentic Po Boy? Venture outside the Quarter to a mom-and-pop shop. Or try a Mufalletta at the French Market before satisfying that sweet tooth with a powdery beignet from Café du Monde with a side of coffee. 4 HALLOWEEN: Known as the gay Mardi Gras (as if Mardi Gras could get any gayer) this annual event brings out the freak in everyone. Bars host costume contests and there’s even a Voodoo Music Experience with rock bands playing in City Park. The big draw is a circuit party that benefits Project Lazarus, a local HIV/AIDS hospice. 5 MARDI GRAS WORLD: Even if you miss the big event, a trip to Blaine Kern’s emporium will give you a behind-the-scenes peek into what goes into one of the biggest shows on earth. See everything from lavish costumes to sparkling floats in this den of all things carnival – or what Cher’s backstage must look like.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT: 6 WAREHOU New York may have SOHO, but NOLA has the warehouse district, a trendy neighborhood with art galleries showcasing the best new and emerging fine artists in the South. Weekly and monthly events draw culture lovers to openings in this district, where you may even run into the next Andy Warhol. 7 COUNTRY CLUB: Go au natural at this bathhouse where clothing is optional and daiquiris (and buckets – yes, buckets – of pina coladas) are always being served up poolside. The mix is not only racially and ethnically diverse, but trans folks will also feel at home here, where there’s a Dynasty-watching party. 8 CHRIS OWENS CLUB & BALCONY: No trip to Quarter is complete without a song and dance with legendary cabaret star Chris Owens. We don’t know how long she’s been shaking her groove thing, but entering her club is like stepping back in time when burlesque ruled. You may even be invited on stage to sing a few notes with the grand dame
TOUR NEW ORLEANS Get up close + personal OAK ALLEY PLANTATION
JAZZ MUSIC TOURS
Considered the “Grande Dame of Great River Road,” this lush plantation is the epitome of Greek revival antebellum homes. The history of the home and its ties to slavery are handled with sensitivity for anyone interested in stepping back into the pre-Civil War South for the afternoon.
Explore one of the world’s most music-rich cities to the tune of New Orleans natives like Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick, Jr., Fats Domino and Pete Fountain. Tours guide music lovers through Storyville and the Tango Belt to Congo Square, considered the wellspring of the music scene.
ST. LOUIS CEMETERY Since the late 1700s, these burial grounds have inspired lore about ghosts and vampires, and have been the settings of spooky scenes in many feature films. The architectural details on these hallowed grounds are among the most unique in the country. It’s also the resting place of legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
(video souvenirs are recorded for purchase on your way out the door). 9 PLACE YOUR BET: Gambling isn’t only legal in New Orleans, it’s a big part of tourism in the Big Easy. Try your hand at one of the tables at Harrah’s in the downtown district or take a ride on an old-schoolstyle riverboat, where sipping a cold beverage and upping the ante is always in the cards.
10 MAGAZINE STREET: This miles-long corridor cuts through several neighborhoods with alternate stretches of residential and commercial districts. Near the Garden District, quaint shops and coffee cafes attract tourists and locals alike, while frugal hipsters gravitate to the vintage and second-hand finds along this multi-faceted avenue. Yep, there’s even a Whole Foods where students, young professionals, and gay parents with baby strollers all seem to converge for a great selection of organic eats and wine.
Where can I go to check out the gay literary
scene?
Every year Saints & Sinners celebrates the gay literary tradition in NOLA with guest speakers and readings around town – and no shortage of celebrity guests. Also check out FAB – the city’s only LGBT bookstore (sasfest.org).
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GAY + LESBIAN LOCALS tell us how to HIT THE TOWN IN STYLE New Orleans can sometimes feel like another world – no thanks to the anything goes attitude. That’s why we asked some local gays and lesbians about some of the best ways to explore the Big Easy’s vibrant LGBT scene.
What’s the best advice for dressing for your favorite gay hot spots? Grab your favorite jeans and sweater for fall and winter. Some nights can be chilly and you will need more than a cocktail to warm you up. In spring and summer, dress comfortably with shorts and Polo shirts. You want to be stylish as you stroll the hot streets of the Big Easy. On the weekend, I love Sunday brunch at Arnaud’s (excellent food and great New Orleans atmosphere). A good way to cap off your weekend is in the French Quarter, with an afternoon tea dance at the local gay bars.
Marvin Andrade Sales Manager Hotel Monteleone
Michael Waters Sr. Complex Sales Manager W New Orleans
What’s a great way to enjoy the city after a long day of traveling? Take a leisurely stroll through the world-famous French Quarter or a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride to scope out this amazing city. Also check out the art galleries on Royal Street. Then why not kick back poolside at WET at W New Orleans? Sip on an authentic New Orleans-style cocktail and plan your next adventure in the Big Easy.
ON THE CHEAP Where to go for next to nothing SIGHTS: Window shop on Royal Street or visit Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve for a free walking tour. Also check out the French Market and Jackson Square where street artists set up their works daily. In the Garden District, wind your way around one of the famous cemeteries on a self-guided tour. St. Louis Cemetery was featured in the delightfully homoerotic Interview with a Vampire. SOUNDS: St. Louis Cathedral is always free to tour in the heart of the Quarter. You can even listen to a free music series at the historic church or in Lafayette Square. Feel like kicking back with a picnic? Grab a muffaletta (the Big Easy’s answer to a hoagie) and find a spot on the riverfront to listen for the Steamboat Natchez calliope or take in some 28
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live music at one of the clubs on Frenchman Street where the beer is cold but the piano’s hot. SMARTS: Tulane University offers plenty of freebies, like a tour of the Amistad Research Center, Woldenberg Art Center and Newcomb Art Gallery. Nearby Loyola also showcases famous creatives – many of whom make
their homes in i Nawlins – at the Collins C. Diboll Art Gallery. You can also teach yourself to grow a green thumb by strolling through the Botanical Gardens and Bestoff Sculpture Garden at City Park.
Where can a girl
get a wig? Fifi Mahony’s is a longtime shop carrying wigs in every color of the rainbow, as well as all the false eyelashes, plumes and accessories any “lady” needs for drag or otherwise (934 Royal St.).
ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE BEST WESTERN PLUS ST. CHRISTOPHER 114 Magazine St. 800-645-9312 Stchristopherhotel.com HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN SUPERDOME 330 Loyola Ave. 504-581-1600 Hi-neworleans.com Great hotel, great location, just 3 blocks from the French Quarter Area. Free shuttle service to top city attractions. Free Business Center, Fitness Center, and Wi-Fi.
LE PAVILLON HOTEL 833 Poydras St. 504-581-3111 Lepavillon.com QUARTER HOUSE RESORT 129 Chartres St. 504-523-5906 Quarterhouse.com THE WHITNEY HOTEL 610 Poydras Street 504-581-4222
BIENVILLE HOTEL 320 Decatur St. 504-529-2345 Bienvillehouse.com
HISTORIC FRENCH MARKET INN 501 Decatur St. 800-366-2743
BOURBON ORLEANS HOTEL 717 Orleans St. 504-523-2222
HOTEL LE MARAIS 717 Conti St. 504-525-2300
RENAISSANCE ARTS HOTEL 700 Tchoupitoulas St. 800-431-8634
HOTEL MONTELEONE 214 Royal St. 866-338-4684 Hotelmonteleone.com
RENAISSANCE NEW ORLEANS PERE MARQUETTE HOTEL 817 Common St. 800-372-0482
HOTEL PROVINCIAL 1024 Rue Chartres 800-535-7922
SAINT LOUIS HOTEL 730 Bienville St. 800-535-9111
HOTEL ST. MARIE 827 Toulouse St. 800-366-2743
SHERATON NEW ORLEANS HOTEL 500 Canal St. 800-325-3535
CHATEAU HOTEL 1001 Chartres St. 504-524-9636 COUNTRY INN NEW ORLEANS 315 Magazine St. 504-324-5400 Countryinns.com/ neworleansla With its home-like décor and plentiful amenities, the Country Inn & Suites, New Orleans French Quarter offers comfort and convenience in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
DAUPHINE ORLEANS HOTEL 415 Dauphine St. 800-521-7111
W NEW ORLEANS – FRENCH QUARTER 316 Charters 504-581-1200
DAYS INN NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT 1021 Airline Dr. 504-464-1644
WINDSOR COURT HOTEL 300 Gravier St. 888-596-0955 Windsorcourthotel.com
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON NEW ORLEANS 300 Canal St. 504-581-1300
Defining luxury in New Orleans, Windsor Court Hotel offers refined taste and impeccable service. Featuring the Grill Room and Polo Club, it’s the place to stay in the Big Easy.
ASTOR CROWNE PLAZA FRENCH QUARTER 739 Canal at Bourbon 888-696-4806
EMBASSY SUITES NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION CENTER 315 Julia St. 504-525-1993
JW MARRIOTT NEW ORLEANS 614 Canal St. 888-364-1200 LE RICHELIEU IN THE FRENCH QUARTER 1234 Chartres St. 800-535-9653 LOEWS NEW ORLEANS HOTEL 300 Poydras St. 800-235-6397
OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS 621 St. Louis St. 504-529-5333
THE IBERVILLE SUITES 910 Iberville St. 866-229-4351 THE INN ON BOURBON 541 Bourbon St. 800-535-7891 THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS 921 Canal St. 504-524-1331 W NEW ORLEANS 333 Poydras St. 504-525-9444
MAISON DUPUY HOTEL 1001 Rue Toulouse 800-535-9177
HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS 228 Poydras St. 800-427-7247
NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT AT THE CONVENTION CENTER 859 Convention Center Boulevard 800-305-6342
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE 2 Poydras St. 504-561-0500
NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT 555 Canal St. 888-364-1200
For more links – scan the QR Code above or visit:
neworleans. gaycities.com/ hotels
neworleans.gaycities.com
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FRENCH MARKET
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WHERE the OLD WORLD MEETS the NEW For 200 years, the French Market has been a must-see destination in the Quarter. It’s where on six lively blocks, shopping and food collide with entertainment and culture on the banks of Mississippi. What began as a Native American trading post has blossomed into a popular and very gay-friendly destination year-round. Follow the aromas of fresh coffee beans and savory Creole herbs and spices to this, America’s oldest public market. Café du Monde, famous for its powdery beignets and chickory-brewed coffee, makes its home here on a pedestrian plaza, called Dutch Alley, where fair-weather flea markets make it a major shopping attraction. You never know what you may find from a diverse collection of vendors. And after a late night hitting the bars, nothing beats a fresh-fromthe-oven donut (the café’s open 24 hours a day). Also be on the lookout for special events at the French Market, including live music, races and festivals. This quintessentially New Orleans hot spot is also the perfect place to pick up locally made clothing, jewelry and art. You’ll even find take-home-worthy Mardi Gras masks and beads for some authentic Louisiana revelry just in time for Southern Decadence.
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The Best Western Plus St. Christopher Hotel is located in the heart of New Orleans and just steps away from the French Quarter. The St. Christopher is a luxury boutique style hotel blending the artistic and the beautiful with utilitarian in architecture. Guestroom design is warm with a classic feel featuring distinctive, colorful New Orleans artwork and wonderful views of downtown. Hotel and Guestroom Amenities Complimentary Deluxe Breakfast Cable Television Free High Speed Internet Access Select Guestrooms with Jacuzzi Meeting Facilities Pet Friendly Valet Parking 114 Magazine Street | New Orleans, LA 70130 Toll free: 1-800-645-9312 | Phone: 504-648-0444 | www.StChristopherHotel.com
Three Centuries of History. Six Blocks of Shopping. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! The Historic French Market District Between Jackson Square and the Old U.S. Mint Along the Mississippi River Live Music — Public Art — Al Fresco Dining Farmers & Flea Markets Scenic Walkways — Historic Architecture
HIP SCENE. HISTORIC SETTIN
Stops #1 - 3 Streettcar Sto S d Streetcar g · Riverside Riverfront Parking
S P EC I A L EV E N T S L I ST I N G S @ W W W. F R E N C H M A R K E T.O T ORG
G.
A European Hotel in the Heart of the French Quarter French Quarter Restoration Award ) Newly Renovated Rooms ) Courtyard Swimming Pool ) Poolside Cafe ) Patio Bar ) Morning Newspaper ) Free Continental Breakfast ) On Site Parking
800-828-1822
1001 Rue Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116 504-524-9636 chateauhotel.com
Express Yourself! We provide party linens, decor, florals, furniture and rentals for all of your event needs – from commitment ceremonies to corporate programs. It’s your day – do it right!
Tapestry Linens & Decor 7002 St. Claude Avenue 7620 West Judge Perez Dr., Ste 107 | Arabi, Louisiana 70032
504-915-5719 www.tapestrylinens.com
ANNUAL EVENTS AUGUST OCTOBER Aug. 1 – 31 COOLinary New Orleans Aug. 4 – 7 Satchmo Summer Festival Aug. 6 White Linen Night Aug. 10 Bon Operatit Aug. 13 Dirty Linen Night
Oct. 6 – 9 FestiGals: Women’s Weekend Getaway Oct. 8 – 9 Carnaval Latino Oct. 14 – 20 22nd Annual New Orleans Film Festival Oct. 14 – 16 Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival Oct. 22 – Jan. 29 Prospect.2 New Orleans Oct. 27 – 30 Halloween Oct. 28 – 30 Voodoo Music Festival
Aug. 13 Red Dress Run Aug. 19 – 21 Louisiana Tailgate + BBQ Festival Aug. 31 – Sept. 5 40th Annual Southern Decadence Festival
SEPTEMBER Sept. 1 Southern Decadence Weekend at Bourbon Pub Sept. 8 Katy Perry performs Sept. 9 – 11 New Orleans Seafood Festival Sept. 15 – 17 New Orleans Burlesque Festival Sept. 16 – 17 Ponderosa Stomp Sept. 19 – 24 New Orleans Fashion Week Sept. 26 – Oct. 22 Oktoberfest Sept. 24 – 25 Congo Square Rhythms Festival
JANUARY Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
FEBRUARY Feb. 21 Mardi Gras
MARCH Mar. 2 – 4 Blooming on the Bricks Mar. 11 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar. 21 – 25 Tennessee Williams Festival Mar. 23 – Apr. 1 76th Annual Spring Fiesta
NOVEMBER
APRIL
Nov. 5 – 6 Swamp Fest Nov. 16 – 20 Fringe Festival Nov. 24 – 27 New Orleans Black Pride
Apr. 11 – 15 French Quarter Festival Apr. 27 – May 6 Jazz Fest
DECEMBER Dec. 1 – 31 Christmas New Orleans-Style Dec. 10 – 11 Holiday Home Tours Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve
MAY May 24 – 28 New Orleans Wine + Food Experience May 25 – 27 Greek Festival
JUNE June 24 – 27 Gay Pride
JULY July 20 – 24 Tales of the Cocktail July 4 July 4 on the River
QUICK RESOURCES
Where can I play
LOUIS ARMSTRONG NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 504-464-3547 flymsy.com NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2020 St. Charles Ave. 504-556-5011 neworleanscvb.com
NEW ORLEANS TOURISM MARKETING CORPORATION 2020 St. Charles Ave. 504-565-5586 neworleansonline.com NEW ORLEANS URGENT CARE 900 Magazine St. 504-552-2433 neworleansurgentcare.com TULANE MEDICAL CENTER 1415 Tulane Ave. 800-588-5800 tulanehealthcare.com
in the nude? The Country Club 634 Louisa St. (in the Bywater)
504-945-0742 Thecountryclubneworleans.com Come home to our neighborhood hot spot. Dine in on our veranda, swim in our clothing-optional pool, or sip a cocktail in the Jacuzzi. Music and video after sundown. Everyone’s welcome. neworleanscvb.com
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The only 5-star Interval International Resort in the French Quarter
The Quarter House is an ideal retreat into the legendary heritage of the South. Featuring stately suites reminiscent of New Orleans’ French and Spanish heritage, the Quarter House offers a piece of history and all of the amenities that southern hospitality has to offer ! Each suite provides a full complement of modern amenities that include jacuzzi tubs, sleeper sofas, luxury bedrooms, and fully-appointed kitchens.
129 Rue Chartres New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 Reservations: 800-736-5906
And, in true southern style, enjoy a little lagniappe from us with live entertainment and a Mardi Gras party weekly right in the resort !
The authentic experience. • Four Diamond elegant hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter on world-famous Bourbon Street • 500 luxurious guest rooms and suites overlooking our tropical courtyard, pool or the French Quarter • Featuring sumptuous Sunday Brunches, Desire Oyster Bar for local specialties, and PJ’s Coffee Cafe serving the area’s favorite coffee with light fare • Live jazz seven nights a week with no cover at the Grammy-winning Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse • Outdoor swimming pool, Oasis Pool Bar and spa cabana • Indoor valet or self-parking • Upgrade to a Bourbon Balcony Room or our RClub level for an additional $100* *Subject to availability. Not valid during special events.
300 Bourbon Street 504.586.0300
800.Sonesta Sonesta.com
WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY
THURSDAY
Live DJ (Napoleon’s Itch) Motor Oil Mondays (Oz)
Blackout Party (Rawhide) Karaoke
TUESDAY
(upstairs at Bourbon Pub)
(Café LaFitte in Exile)
Request Night
Live DJ (Oz)
Creative 80s Videos (downstairs at Bourbon Pub)
Dirty Joe’s World (Rawhide) Girlbar (upstairs at Bourbon Pub) Kocktail Karaoke (Good Friends Bar)
Boys Night (Bourbon Pub) Crusin’ in the Woods
(downstairs at Bourbon Pub)
SUNDAY
Stoli Cocktail Night
Boy Next Door Stripping (Oz) Dingo! (Oz) Drag Show (Oz) Fried Chicken at 5 (Rawhide) Shirtless Sunday (Rawhide) Karaoke (Napoleon’s Itch) Tea Dance (upstairs at Bourbon Pub) Trash Disco (Café LaFitte in Exile) Retro Videos
(Good Friends Bar)
FRIDAY Chuckwagon Burglers
WEDNESDAY
(Rawhide)
Bring Your Own Meat (Rawhide) Drag Out (upstairs at Bourbon Pub) Drag Race (Oz) It’s Showtunes
Drink + Drown
(downstairs at Bourbon Pub)
Karaoke (Café LaFitte in Exile)
(Café LaFitte in Exile)
Live DJ (Oz) New Meat (Corner Pocket) Pop Starz (Bourbon Pub)
(downstairs at Bourbon Pub)
SATURDAY All Boy Review (Corner Pocket)
Where can I hit the links?
Audubon Park Golf Course (6500 Magazine St.) is the perfect place to find a little 18-hole action.
The Quarter’s most charming hotel just got downright irresistible… In the heart of the French Quarter, the Bienville House Hotel rises to a higher standard. Wake up to complimentary continental breakfast. Relax by the cool saltwater pool in the flagstone courtyard. And indulge your senses at the lively, award-winning Iris Restaurant. When you’re ready, all the history and excitement of New Orleans is just steps away.
For reservations call 1.800.535.7836 320 Decatur Street s New Orleans, LA 70130 504-529-2345 s www.bienvillehouse.com reservations@bienvillehouse.com
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AMBASSADOR HOTEL French Quarter 4 blocks - Historic boutique hotel just 4 blocks from the French Quarter. Great rates, restaurant & lounge. 535 Tchoupitoulas Street New Orleans, LA 70130 QUEEN & CRESCENT HOTEL French Quarter 2.5 blocks - European boutique hotel just 2.5 blocks from the French Quarter. Voted CitySearch Best Bargain Hotel. 344 Camp Street New Orleans, LA 70130
GREAT LOCATIONS, BETTER RATES! New Orleans Boutique Hotels are your best hotel values in New Orleans! With great locations near the French Quarter, Convention Center and Armstrong International Airport, we definitely have the right hotel at the best price for your next visit to New Orleans!
ROYAL ST. CHARLES HOTEL French Quarter 1 block - Contemporary boutique hotel just 1 block from the French Quarter. Great rates, meeting space and lounge. 135 St Charles Ave New Orleans, LA 70130 DAYS HOTEL - METAIRIE Just 10 minutes from the French Quarter & New Orleans Airport. FREE parking, huge pool, restaurant, lounge & great rates! 3400 I-10 Service Road Metairie, LA 70001
Tour our hotels or make a reservation at
www.neworleansboutiquehotels.com or call 800-455-3417
R el a x In A
New Orleans L andm ark
New Orleans is the kind of place where you can relax and be yourself. So is Hotel Monteleone. With our rooftop pool and fitness center, spa, and authentic New Orleans restaurants, Hotel Monteleone is your timeless address in the heart of the French Quarter. s
Two award-winning restaurants
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World famous Carousel Bar
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600 Deluxe sleeping rooms
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Marble and granite baths
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In-room safes
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Luxurious Spa Aria
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24 hour room service
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Heated rooftop pool and state of the art fitness room
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Minibar nibar
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Valet let Parking
214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 | 866.338.4675 | fax 504.528.1019 www.hotelmonteleone.com | Reservations@hotelmonteleone.com
WHERE ANY JACK WHO’S A QUEEN CAN LIVE LIKE A KING.
With mouth-watering restaurants, nail-biting gaming excitement and a don’t-let-it-end nightlife, you’ll never get bored. Come visit Harrah’s in the heart of New Orleans, the gay capital of the South, where coming out to play takes on a whole new meaning! gayharrahsnola.com
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